‘It’s a big chapter in my life’: Hoskins reflects on time in Philly before return originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia
It was the same thing, but not really. Familiar, but different. Emotional. Definitely emotional.
Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, who knew no organization other than the Phillies after they drafted him in the fifth round in 2014, sat in the visitor’s dugout at Citizens Bank Park late Monday afternoon on Friday, wearing a road uniform and tried to put into words what it meant to no longer wear red stripes.
“I’m excited to see where we are in terms of competition,” he said, referring to the series that brings together two first-place teams. “I’m excited for my teammates to see what it’s like to play in this type of environment. But more than anything, I’m excited to see the people that I’ve created really good relationships with over the last five, six, seven years.”
After he tore his ACL late in 2023 spring training, after Bryce Harper learned to play first base quickly and performed better than anyone could have predicted, Hoskins could see the writing on the wall in the dugout. reservations. Even though he wished he could somehow return, even though he was a free agent who was on the injured list all season.
“Hopeful. But I’m also smart and aware enough to see what was going on,” he said.
So when the call came from Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski shortly after the World Series ended, he wasn’t surprised. Harper would remain at first. Kyle Schwarber was the designated hitter. There was no logical spot on the field for him to fill.
“He kind of introduced me to the conversations with Bryce as director,” Hoskins said. “He told Me where they were going. Obviously, I was grateful that they didn’t attach a qualifying offer to me. I think it helped me in my free agency. But he was as transparent as possible. And I think in this business that’s all you can ask for.”
The Brewers gave him a 2-year contract worth $34 million. They were betting he would produce the 30 or so home runs he hit during his six full seasons in Philadelphia. Just as important, they saw him as a strong and constant veteran influence on their club.
This echoed the Marlins’ decision to acquire Phillies franchise icon Darren Daulton at the 1996 trade deadline. Manager Jim Leyland later said that Florida would not have won the World Series that year without him.
Before Monday night’s game, tributes from former teammates were unanimous and sincere.
“One of the best teammates I’ve ever had,” right-hander Aaron Nola said. “He does everything he can to help the team win. He wants to play every day. I have a lot of respect for him and what he does.
“He has been one of our leaders since he joined this club. He just had that voice that everyone listened to and respected.”
Said left back Brandon Marsh: “He’s been here a long time and he’s brought a lot to this city, this team and this organization. He is an incredible teammate, brother, friend. All of the above. He’s amazing, man.
Added manager Rob Thomson: “He’s a man. He is honest. He has a lot of integrity. He cares about other people. And he’s a talented player, obviously.”
Hoskins appreciated the praise.
“This is our profession, our careers. It’s what we choose to do for our work,” he said. “But whether it’s good or bad, the only thing you can hope for is that people respect who you are as a person. I hope this means I did things the right way. I treated people with respect. I had some kindness along the way and made some kind of impact on a group of people and I think that’s something you can hang your hat on.”
When he arrived in town on Sunday night, he and his wife Jayme went to Palizzi, their favorite Italian restaurant. On Monday they went to the cafe near where they lived.
It was their decision to live in the city year-round that cemented a connection to the city that is deeper and more lasting than any special-occasion uniform.
“It helped me understand what this place is,” he reflected. “Specifically, what the Wells Fargo Center is like, what the Linc is like. What the people of Philadelphia are actually like, rather than just in the stadium. I have to believe that my time here was 1,000% better. Just an understanding of what motivates people here. Why do they cheer so much? Why do they boo so much? It feels a little different here, and you love that as a player.
“We had never spent time in a big city like this, coming from a smaller city on the West Coast. It was a chance to explore it. And we ended up loving it so much that we stayed. It’s a huge chapter in my life and I have a very different and much greater respect for this city and how incredible it can be.”
It could have been different. What if he hadn’t torn his knee? And Harper wasn’t willing to change his position? It doesn’t make sense to think about it. Time just moves forward.
“No hard feelings. No ill will,” he said. “The ending didn’t fit with the rest of the time here. I don’t know if closure is the right word, but I think (Monday night) will be a good start to that.”
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